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Wednesday, 2 March 2011

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The glow

Tikiri eked out his livelihood by cutting firewood, from the nearby forests and selling them at the village fair. He had to trek a long way off from home to the forest daily. One day as usual, he set out for his routine. By mid-day he had collected sufficient firewood and stacked them on his bicycle. Feeling very hungry he partook of the sumptuous lunch his wife had prepared and rested under a large banyan tree.

The thought of his young wife now heavy with child brought him nostalgic memories. He remembered the ‘narang’ she requested him to bring. This he should not forget, otherwise she would despair was his thought. He was contented though being poor, he was blessed with happiness in his small dwelling. This aspired him most.

Tikiri ventured deep into the forest in search of ‘nearang’. Spotting a tree yonder hill he climbed it and picked as much as he could tucking them into his sarong. Tired by the tedious task after climbing down he lay for a snooze. The soothing environment of the forest with its lush green made his short nap a deep slumber. Unknowingly, he had lain there for about three hours and the trumpeting of wild elephants brought him to his senses. By now it was very late in the evening and soon dusk would envelop the whole forest, how could he return, his cries would not be heard by anyone. He had lost his way. He shuddered at the thought of the wild beasts and elephants that were roaming the jungle at night and for sure they would kill him.

He wept bitterly thinking of his wife at this juncture who would be awaiting his arrival to have diner with him. No doubt she would be pondering his long absence.

The forest was pitch dark by now without a tinge of light and looking at the tall large trees gave him an eerie feeling. He gave up hopes of returning to the village and started praying, reciting all the prayers that came into his mind for his safety.

Desolated, he wept aloud shouting for help though nobody could hear him asking God forgiveness for all his sins. Just then, he heard the rustle of branches from far beyond the trees which made him gaze at a luminous light resembling a coloured fireball which almost blinded him, setting the whole forest in a ray of unbelievable sunlight. He rubbed his eye shard to glimpse the glistening light which came nearer to him. He got so frightened that he closed his eyes with both hands and thought his end was near. Nay! It was not so!, when he felt an ethereal hand touch his head; bewildered he opened his eyes. There stood before him a smiling Swami dressed in luminous yellow attire carrying a light and a string of beads, beckoning Tikiri to follow him.

He knelt before the Swami who touched his head once again, no words were spoken between them. The Swami directed that Tikiri walk ahead of him while he walked behind with the shining light. The journey to the village almost lasted an hour. When he turned back to thank his Saviour it had vanished. He was very upset by this ordeal when he related the tale to his wife. Whoever the apparition was had saved him at the nick of time.

The following day, Tikiri related his encounter to the village priest. It transpired,that in most instances, undesirables and treasure hunters had ventured into the forest on the pretext of collecting firewood, but their main intention was to find a treasure hidden by pirates perceived to be in a cave.

According to a tale related by the old folks of the village there was also a hoodoo hovering in the forest, since many undesirables who had ventured to find the treasure had never returned. Maybe, since Tikiri was unaware of such an episode, was God fearing, humble and honest, the apparition had helped him.

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